Judicial Warrant vs. ICE Administrative Warrant: The Difference That Decides Whether Agents Can Enter Your Home

One document decides whether federal agents can enter a home: the type of warrant they're holding. A judicial warrant, signed by a judge, can authorize entry. ICE's administrative forms I-200 and I-205, signed by an immigration officer rather than a judge, do NOT permit agents to enter a home.

What to do at the door

1. Keep the door closed. You do not have to open the door. Speak through it if you choose to speak at all.
2. Ask for a judicial warrant. Ask the agents to slide any warrant under the door. ICE administrative forms I-200 and I-205 do NOT permit agents to enter a home — only a judicial warrant signed by a judge does.
3. Remain silent and sign nothing. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born, and you do not have to sign any documents without a lawyer.
4. Do not physically resist — state non-consent clearly. If agents enter anyway, do not physically resist them. Clearly and calmly state that you do not consent to the search or entry.
5. Call the ICIRR hotline. Call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline for help and to report the visit: 1-855-435-7693.

Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance

• Chicago police do not ask about immigration status.
• Chicago police do not honor ICE detainers without a criminal judicial warrant.
• Chicago police do not participate in civil immigration raids.
• Chicago police do not share non-public information with ICE for civil immigration enforcement.

Source: Chicago Police Department — immigrant communities page.

If ICE visits, call the ICIRR Family Support Hotline at 1-855-435-7693 for help and to report the visit.